The leading pack in the Premier league all dropped points over the weekend except Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, who assume the top of the standings after their win over 10man Southampton on Saturday.
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City shoots whilst under pressure from Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on October 03, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool started the weekend in first position but after their 2-2 draw against defending Champions, Manchester City at Anfield, the point earned could only see them to 15 points, and now one short of new leaders, Chelsea.
Manchester United had the opportunity to move top when they kicked off weekend games at the Old Trafford Stadium but were pegged back by Everton, as Andros Townsend’s second half goal canceled out Anthony Martial’s first goal of the season and both had to settle for a point each.
The draw has intensified pressure on manager Ole Solskjær as United’s poor run of form continues, with two laboured wins in their last six games, which has produced three defeats.
Chelsea took on Southampton at the Bridge and were already in front as early as the ninth minute thanks to a Trevoh Chalobah close range header from Ruben Loftus-Cheek flick after a Ben Chilwell corner.
The European champions had two disallowed goals before James Ward-Prowse restored parity for The Saints from a penalty won by Chelsea Academy graduate, Tino Livramento. The captain however went from hero to zero after receiving his marching orders for a tackle on Jorginho.
The Blues seized advantage and Tino Werner fired them in front with his first league goal since April, and Ben Chilwell ensured the safety of the points later on to make it 3-1 and give Chelsea their first win over The Saints in four tries.
Nothing could separate Arsenal and Brighton at the American Express Stadium and the spoilt was shared. Brighton were very much the better side but Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will also rue missed chances and poor decisions in the final third later on in the game.
Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday earned their first win since matchday three with a 2-1 home win over Aston Villa. Pierre-Emile Hojberj gave Nuno Santos side an early lead but was cancelled out by Olie Watkins in the second half.
However, four minutes after assisting his side’s leveler, Matt Target was unfortunate to divert Lucas Moura’s effort into his own net and Spurs held on for their first league win since August.
Leicester City’s winless run strected to the first weekend of October as they surrendered a two goal lead away at the Selhurst Park and allowed the host comeback to snatch a point.
Kelechi Iheanacho with his first league goal of the season on his first start put The Foxes in front just after the half hour mark and Jamie Vardy was on half to double the lead five minutes later.
Half time substitute Micheal Olise halved the deficit two minutes after the hour mark and another substitute, Jeffrey Schulpp leveled matters 10 minutes later to win a point for Patrick Vieira side.
Brentford continue their fairytale start the life in the top-flight with a big win over West Ham United at the Olympic Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen goal cancelled out Bryan Mbuemo’s opener ten minutes from time but substitute, Yoane Wissa, who scored their equaliser against Liverpool last time out strikes again, to give them all the points in the fourth minute of added time.
Liverpool and Manchester City round off games in the weekend and either side made away with a point in an enthralling contest at Anfield.
After a goalless first half, Sadio Mané put Liverpool in from after being sent clear by Mohamed Salah two minutes before the hour mark. Phil Foden fired City level with his first of the season 10 minutes later.
Mohamed Salah turned Goalscorer 12 minutes before time to hand the host the advantage but Kevin de Bruyne had the last say, scoring an equaliser for City in the 81st minute.
Chelsea stay top as teams head to the international break with Liverpool the only team yet to lose a game this season. The Reds and both Manchester clubs, Everton and Brighton are not far away from top spot.
Tottheham’s win see them move up to eight while Arsenal are 11th. Leeds United first win of the season means they have six points, enough to remove them from the drop zone.
Southampton, Newcastle United, Burnley and Norwich City all are yet to win a game this season in the league. Brentford are up to seventh as they continue to get better in their return to the top-flight.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
